Wernicke's Encephalopathy Classical Features
Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is an acute neurological condition typically caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency.
Identifying Classical Signs of WE
The classic triad of symptoms associated with Wernicke's encephalopathy includes:
- Ophthalmoplegia (or Horizontal nystagmus): This involves paralysis or abnormal movements of the eye muscles.
- Ataxia: Lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements.
- Encephalopathy (Confusional state): This refers to altered mental status, ranging from mild confusion to stupor or coma.
Analyzing the 'Except' Feature
The question asks to identify the option that is NOT a classical feature of Wernicke's encephalopathy. Let's examine the options:
- Horizontal nystagmus: A recognized sign of ocular muscle dysfunction in WE.
- Confusional state: A key component of the encephalopathy in WE.
- Opthalmoplegia: Another sign of ocular muscle dysfunction in WE.
- Extension plantar response: This sign, also known as the Babinski sign, indicates dysfunction of the corticospinal tract (upper motor neuron). It is not a characteristic feature of Wernicke's encephalopathy, which primarily involves the diencephalon and brainstem due to thiamine deficiency.
Therefore, the extension plantar response is the feature that is excluded.
ConclusionThe classical features of Wernicke's encephalopathy are ophthalmoplegia (or nystagmus), ataxia, and confusion. An extension plantar response is not among these classical signs.
Important Questions from Vitamin B Complex Deficiency
Consider the following statements regarding Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome :
1. It is a rare complication of chronic alcohol misuse characterised by opthalmoplegia, ataxia and delirium.
2. There is damage to the mammillary bodies and dorsomedial nuclei of thalamus.
3. The underlying cause is deficiency of Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).
4. The syndrome can also arise due to malabsorption or protracted vomiting.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A 35 year old man with history of alcoholism presents with ophthalmoplegia, ataxia and global confusion. The treatment of choice for this patient is:
- Vitamin B$_{12}$ deficiency can cause the following except:
- Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
- Who among the following do not participate in the election of the President of India?
